The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
vinkodex.Audi S3 8P common faults.
2003–2012. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
Camelboy at English Wikipedia / Public domain
What to watch for
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
expensive4
The same layout as in the naturally aspirated FSI, only in the turbocharged 2.0: the high pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a flat cam follower that relies on an oil film.
Applies to the engine CDLA.
The combined housing of the water pump and the thermostat is plastic, and it is bolted directly to the hot engine block.
Applies to the engine BHZ.
With direct injection the fuel does not wash the intake valves: the petrol goes into the cylinder, not behind the valve.
Applies to the engine BHZ.
cheap repair1
The dash shows "Error: Workshop!
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
Official recall1 recallsShowThe manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 7 August 2006
06V293000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW7 August 2006 · NHTSA (USA)ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING PRODUCTION OF THE AIR BAG, EITHER THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG INFLATION MODULE MAY LEAK.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE AS DESIGNED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
8P · 2003–2012
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
10 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · MQ350
2.0 T FSI quattro
2006–2008 · quattro
265 HPpetrol · manualhatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · MQ350
2.0 TFSI quattro
2008–2012 · quattro
265 HPpetrol · manualhatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · DQ250
2.0 TFSI quattro
2008–2013 · quattro
265 HPpetrol · automatichatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · MQ350
2.0 TFSI quattro
2008–2013 · quattro
265 HPpetrol · manualhatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · DQ250
2.0 TFSI quattro
2008–2012 · quattro
265 HPpetrol · automatichatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · MQ350
2.0 T FSI quattro Pro Line
2006–2008 · quattro Pro Line
265 HPpetrol · manualhatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · MQ350
2.0 TFSI quattro Pro Line
2008–2013 · quattro Pro Line
265 HPpetrol · manualhatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CDLA · BHZ · DQ250
2.0 TFSI quattro Pro Line
2008–2012 · quattro Pro Line
265 HPpetrol · automatichatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BHZ · CDLA · DQ250
2.0 TFSI quattro Pro Line
2008–2013 · quattro Pro Line
265 HPpetrol · automatichatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CDLA · BHZ · MQ350
2.0 TFSI quattro Pro Line
2008–2012 · quattro Pro Line
265 HPpetrol · manualhatchback
Neighbouring generations
8P · 2003–2012
8P (2003-2012). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2003–2012. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.